1. Learn to manage time and excessive demands.
There are head-spinning demands on celebrities. They’re always on the go with intense time pressures, huge expectations, and they still have to perform! Of course, you’re no different. You’re balancing your work and home life, plus everything else that comes your way – bills, conflicts, emergencies and everything in between.
There really are ways to cope with huge demands and time pressures… one of the best tools in your stress toolkit is to learn to say ‘no’ when you should. If it isn’t a priority, or if it means that you’re going to be over-scheduled, say ‘no’.
2. Stress doesn’t happen overnight.
Musicians lose their voice during their big concert tour or an actor gets sick during his big movie shoot, for a reason. If you’re pushing yourself too hard and you’re losing sleep, getting sick, or are simply exhausted, then you’re already experiencing symptoms of stress and you need to take action now. Don’t wait until you have a huge meltdown and then blame stress after the fact.
Be proactive in managing your health and happiness. Start taking little breaks every day to relax, and listen to your body for signs of stress.
3. Seek real support and long-term solutions.
Celebrities are always on the go and they lack stability in their life. Without the “parachute” of a support network, when they fall, they hit the ground hard. In response to their problems they may snap, abuse alcohol and drugs, or seek short-term relationships.
You go through similar difficulties in your life (except without the paparazzi) — you’re on the go, and life can be filled with uncertainties. You may even feel alone in your personal battles. Plus, you still have to do your job and fulfill your duties at home… it’s hard work, especially if you’re alone.
Without a strong support system, it’s easy to gravitate towards quick fixes, short-term pleasures, and “solutions” that help you feel better for a few minutes or hours. It
becomes easy to fall prey to addictive bad habits, fueled by the desire to feel happier after a bad day.
You know in your heart that there are no “quick fixes” to all your problems. It just doesn’t work like that. Instead, find people who can support you — a family member, friend, colleague, or even an online community. And take the time to sit down and ask yourself: “What am I doing? Is this what I truly want?”
What Can We Learn From Celebrity Stress? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
